Could anyone explain MBD in software development process V-shape model?

Hi all,

I undertooth that in V-shapre model, MBD includes 3 steps ( software detail design, coding, unit test).

But MBD has validate and verification as SIL, PIL, HIL. Does it insteads for Unit test, Intergration test and system test?

Answer 1

[Abhaya]

Hi @galaxy,

In Model-Based Design, the testing processes of SIL (Software-in-the-Loop), PIL (Processor-in-the-Loop), and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) are essential components of the verification stage. These methods extend beyond traditional testing phases like unit, integration, and system testing.

SIL Simulation:

• This involves compiling and running the source code on the host computer, enabling you to collect data on code coverage and execution times.
• By comparing results from normal and SIL simulations, you can confirm that the model and the generated code are numerically equivalent.

PIL Simulation:

• Here, the source code is cross-compiled and executed on the actual target hardware.
• The setup you create for PIL simulation dictates how the code is compiled and run on the hardware.
• Comparing the results from normal and PIL simulations ensures that the model and the code maintain numerical consistency.

HIL Simulation:

• A real-time virtual environment is set up, involving components like plants, sensors, and actuators, all running on a real-time target computer.
• The control algorithm is executed on an embedded controller, which interacts with the plant model through various input/output channels.
• HIL simulation is particularly useful for testing how your controller reacts to unexpected scenarios and events.

For a comprehensive discussion on this topic, you can refer to this MATLAB community answer.

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/440277-what-are-mil-sil-pil-and-hil-and-how-do-they-integrate-with-the-model-based-design-approach

For more information on SIL, PIL and HIL testing follow the MATLAB documentations.

https://www.mathworks.com/help/ecoder/software-in-the-loop-sil-simulation.html

https://www.mathworks.com/help/ecoder/infineonaurixtc3x/ug/ifx-infineon-tc3x-pil-simulation.html

https://www.mathworks.com/help/simscape/ug/what-is-hardware-in-the-loop-simulation.html

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

[Alex]

Hello!

In the V-shape model, MBD (Model-Based Development) typically focuses on different stages like software detailed design, coding, and unit testing. However, you're right that MBD also involves validation and verification processes such as SIL (Software-in-the-Loop), PIL (Processor-in-the-Loop), and HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop). These processes are not direct replacements for unit tests, integration tests, or system tests, but they help validate the design and verify that the software works correctly in a simulated environment before actual hardware integration.

For a more detailed breakdown of the software development process, including how MBD fits into different methodologies, I recommend checking out this article: https://www.cleveroad.com/blog/software-development-process/

Hope this helps clarify things!